Big Play

WHO: Woody Austin
WHAT: Five-iron shot to 2'7"
WHERE: 195-yard par-3 14th hole at TPC Southwind
WHEN: Final round of the Stanford St. Jude Championship

WHY
As his title-clinching 62 and great tee ball at 14 show, Austin is talented. But he's had only one top 10 this year and just 23 in the last decade. To be consistent, he needs two minor swing changes. First, his grip is too palmy; the club must lie more toward the fingers, especially in the left hand. And his swing has way too much width at the start and way too little at the top—the fluctuation messes up his timing.

To work on keeping your width the same during the swing, grip down on a wedge, narrow your stance, bend your knees and put your right foot forward. As you turn your core back, quickly hinge your wrists so that they set when your hands reach your right knee. Keep your torso centered so you feel resistance as you turn. Then simply let the club drop.

Patti McGowan teaches at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando.

PATTI'S TIP
Hinge Quickly for Steady Width